Molecular epidemiology of a large community-based outbreak of hepatitis B in Bristol, U.K.

Background: A large outbreak of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the U.K. occurred between 2001 and 2005 in Bristol, U.

Imported cutaneous diphtheria, United Kingdom.

Cutaneous diphtheria is endemic in tropical countries but unusual in the United Kingdom. Four cases occurred in the United Kingdom within 2 months in 2002. Because cutaneous diphtheria causes outbreaks of both cutaneous and pharyngeal forms, early diagnosis is essential for implementing control measures; high diphtheria vaccination coverage must also be maintained.